[Senate Report 104-100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
104th Congress 1st SENATE Report
Session
104-100
_______________________________________________________________________
REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THE 103D CONGRESS
__________
R E P O R T
of the
COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
during the
103D CONGRESS
(1993-94)
PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 8(b) OF RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
June 28 (legislative day, June 19), 1995.--Ordered to be printed
FOREWORD
This report reviewing the legislative activity during the
103rd Congress of the Committee on Rules and Administration is
submitted pursuant to paragraph 8(b) of Rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate. Paragraph 8 provides that
standing committees of the Senate shall review and study, on a
continuing basis, the application, administration, and
execution of those laws, or parts thereof, the subject matter
of which is within their jurisdiction, and submit to the
Senate, not later than March 31 of each odd-numbered year, a
report detailing the activities of that committee for the
preceding Congress. The text of paragraph 8 of rule XXVI is as
follows:
8. (a) In order to assist the Senate in--
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the
application, administration, and execution of the laws
enacted by the Congress, and
(2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of
such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of
such additional legislation, as may be necessary or
appropriate,
each standing committee (except the Committees on
Appropriations and the Budget), shall review and study, on a
continuing basis the application, administration, and execution
of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is
within the legislative jurisdiction of that committee. Such
committees may carry out the required analysis, appraisal, and
evaluation themselves, or by contract, or may require a
Government agency to do so and furnish a report thereon to the
Senate. Such committees may rely on such techniques as pilot
testing, analysis of costs in comparison with benefits, or
provision for evaluation after a defined period of time.
(b) In each odd-numbered year, each such committee shall
submit, not later than March 31, to the Senate, a report on the
activities of that committee under this paragraph during the
Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
Ted Stevens, Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Foreword......................................................... III
Jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and Administration........ 1
Committee Legislative Activities................................. 2
Legislation Enacted.............................................. 3
Bills and Joint Resolutions Reported by the Committee but Not
Enacted........................................................ 3
Committee Meetings and Hearings.................................. 4
Federal Elections Legislation:
Campaign Finance Reform...................................... 6
Voter Registration........................................... 7
Oversight of the Government Printing Office...................... 7
Oversight of the Library of Congress............................. 8
Oversight of the Smithsonian Institution......................... 9
National Memorials............................................... 10
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994; Congressional Coverage
Act............................................................ 11
Administration of the Senate..................................... 13
Committee Publications........................................... 16
104th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 104-100
_______________________________________________________________________
REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THE 103D CONGRESS
_______
June 28 (legislative day, June 19), 1995.--Ordered to be printed
_______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Stevens, from the Committee on Rules and Administration, submitted
the following
R E P O R T
[Pursuant to paragraph 8(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the
Senate]
Jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and Administration
The jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and
Administration is set forth in paragraph 1 of rule XXV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate. The following are excerpts from
that paragraph.
RULE XXV
standing committees
1. The following standing committees shall be appointed at
the commencement of each Congress, and shall continue and have
the power to act until their successors are appointed, with
leave to report by bill or otherwise on matters within their
respective jurisdictions:
* * * * * * *
(n)(1) Committee on Rules and Administration, to which
committee shall be referred all proposed legislation, messages,
petitions, memorials, and other matters relating to the
following subjects:
1. Administration of the Senate Office Buildings and the
Senate wing of the Capitol, including the assignment of office
space.
2. Congressional organization relative to rules and
procedures, and Senate rules and regulations, including floor
and gallery rules.
3. Corrupt practices.
4. Credentials and qualifications of Members of the Senate,
contested elections, and acceptance of incompatible offices.
5. Federal elections generally, including the election of
the President, Vice President, and Members of the Congress.
6. Government Printing Office, and the printing and
correction of the Congressional Record, as well as those
matters provided for under rule XI.
7. Meetings of the Congress and attendance of Members.
8. Payment of money out of the contingent fund of the
Senate or creating a charge upon the same (except that any
resolution relating to substantive matter within the
jurisdiction of any other standing committee of the Senate
shall be first referred to such committee).
9. Presidential succession.
10. Purchase of books and manuscripts and erection of
monuments to the memory of individuals.
11. Senate Library and statuary, art, and pictures in the
Capitol and Senate Office Buildings.
12. Services to the Senate, including the Senate
restaurant.
13. United States Capitol and congressional office
buildings, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution
(and the incorporation of similar institutions), and the
Botanic Gardens.
(2) Such committee shall also--
(A) make a continuing study of the organization and
operation of the Congress of the United States and
shall recommend improvements in such organization and
operation with a view toward strengthening the
Congress, simplifying its operations, improving its
relationships with other branches of the United States
Government, and enabling it better to meet its
responsibilities under the Constitution of the United
States; and
(B) identify any court proceeding or action which, in
the opinion of the Committee, is of vital interest to
the Congress as a constitutionally established
institution of the Federal Government and call such
proceeding or action to the attention of the Senate.
* * * * * * *
Committee Legislative Activities
During the 103d Congress, the Committee on Rules and
Administration considered a total of 110 legislative measures,
of which 37 were reported to the Senate. That total included 58
simple Senate resolutions (14 reported, of which 11 were agreed
to), 6 Senate and House concurrent resolutions (3 reported and
3 agreed to by both the House and Senate), and 46 Senate and
House bills and joint resolutions (20 reported, and 10 enacted
into public law).
Legislation Enacted
The following is a list of the bills and joint resolutions
considered by the Committee during the 103d Congress which
ultimately became public law:
H.R. 2, to establish national voter registration procedures
for Federal elections, and for other purposes. (Public Law 103-
31)
H.R. 2677, to authorize the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct the West
Court of the National Museum of Natural History building.
(Public Law 103-151)
S.J. Res. 27, providing for the appointment of Hanna
Holborn Gray as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution. (Public Law 103-19)
S.J. Res. 28, providing for the appointment of Barber B.
Conable, Jr., as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of
the Smithsonian Institution. (Public Law 103-20)
S.J. Res. 29, providing for the appointment of Wesley
Samuel Williams, Jr., as a citizen regent of the Board of
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. (Public Law 103-21)
S.J. Res. 143, providing for the appointment of Frank
Anderson Shrontz as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of
the Smithsonian Institution. (Public Law 103-244)
S.J. Res. 144, providing for the appointment of Manuel Luis
Ibanez as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution. (Public Law 103-245)
S. 564, to establish in the Government Printing Office a
means of enhancing electronic public access to a wide range of
Federal electronic information. (Public Law 103-40)
S. 716, to require that all Federal lithographic printing
be performed using ink made from vegetable oil, and for other
purposes. (Public Law 103-348)
S. 779, to continue the authorization of appropriations for
the East Court of the National Museum of Natural History, and
for other purposes. (Public Law 103-98)
Bills and Joint Resolutions Reported by the Committee but Not Enacted
H.R. 877, the ``National African American Museum Act'', to
authorize the establishment of the National African American
Museum within the Smithsonian Institution. S. Rept. 103-283)
S. 3, the ``Congressional Spending Limit and Election
Reform Act of 1993''. (S. Rept. 103-41)
S. 27, to authorize the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to
establish a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in the
District of Columbia. (S. Rept. 103-46)
S. 345, the ``Library of Congress Fund Act of 1993'', to
authorize the Library of Congress to provide certain
information products and services, and for other purposes. (S.
Rept. 103-50)
S. 460, the ``National Voter Registration Act of 1993'', to
establish national voter registration procedures for Federal
elections, and for other purposes. (S. Rept. 103-6) (The Senate
passed companion measure H.R. 2 in lieu of this measure.)
S. 535, to authorize the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution to plan and design an extension of the
National Air and Space Museum at Washington Dulles
International Airport, and for other purposes. (S. Rept. 103-
28)
S. 685, to authorize appropriations for the American
Folklife Center for fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.
(S. Rept. 103-47)
S. 1010, to authorize appropriations for the Federal
Election Commission for fiscal year 1994. (S. Rept. 103-49)
S. 1824, the ``Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994,
Congressional Coverage Act'', to improve the operations of the
Legislative Branch of the Federal Government, and for other
purposes. (S. Rept. 103-297)
S. 2200, to authorize appropriations for the Federal
Election Commission for fiscal year 1995. (S. Rept. 103-285)
Committee Meetings and Hearings
January 28, 1993--To adopt Rules of Procedure of the
Committee and Select members for the Joint Committees on
Printing and the Library; and to consider pending legislative
and administrative business.
February 3 and 4, 1993--To receive testimony from committee
chairmen and ranking minority members on their committee
funding resolutions for 1993 and 1994.
February 18, 1993--To mark up the following: an original
resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate
(the Omnibus Biennial Funding Resolution for 1993 and 1994), an
original bill to establish national voter registration
procedures for Federal elections, and an original resolution
authorizing the printing of a collection of the rules of the
committees of the Senate.
March 3, 1993--To receive testimony on legislation
pertaining to the financing of Congressional election
campaigns.
March 18, 1993--To consider pending legislative and
administrative business, including S. 3, the ``Congressional
Spending Limit and Election Reform Act of 1993''; S. 564, the
``Government Printing Office Electronic Information Access
Enhancement Act of 1993''; S. 535, to authorize the Board of
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan and design an
extension of the National Air and Space Museum at Washington
Dulles International Airport; and two resolutions concerning
the appointment of citizen regents on the Smithsonian Board of
Regents.
April 22, 1993--To receive testimony on the budget
authorization request of the Federal Election Commission for
Fiscal Year 1994.
April 29, 1993--To receive and consider a proposal by
counsel regarding the petitions relating to the election in
Oregon.
May 10, 1993--To receive oral argument from counsel for the
Petitioners and counsel for the junior Senator from Oregon on
certain legal issues raised by the petitions regarding the
election in Oregon.
May 19, 1993--To receive testimony on the President's
proposal pertaining to campaign finance reform.
May 20, 1993--To consider pending legislative and
administrative business, including S. 27, the Martin Luther
King, Jr. memorial; S. 277, the National African American
Museum within the Smithsonian Institution; S. 345, Library of
Congress fee for service; S. 685, American Folklife Center
authorization; and the FEC authorization for fiscal year 1994.
June 24, 1993--To receive testimony on S. 716, the
``Vegetable Ink Printing Act of 1993'', a bill to require that
all Federal lithographic printing be performed using ink made
from vegetable oil.
October 28, 1993--To receive testimony on the nomination of
Michael F. DiMario to be Public Printer. (S. Hrg. 103-286)
October 28, 1993--To receive testimony on the appointments
of Frank A. Shrontz and Manuel L. Ibanez to be citizen regents
of the Smithsonian Institution.
November 4, 1993--To consider pending executive,
legislative, and administrative business, including the
nomination of Michael F. DiMario, of Maryland, to be Public
Printer; H.R. 877, to authorize the establishment of the
National African American Museum within the Smithsonian
Institution; H.R. 2677, to authorize the Smithsonian
Institution to plan, design, and construct the West Court of
the National Museum of Natural History building; S.J. Res. 143
and 144, providing for the appointment of citizen regents of
the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; S. 716,
the ``Vegetable Ink Printing Act of 1993''; and original
resolution to authorize the printing of a revised edition of
the Senate Election Law Guidebook; and other matters.
February 3 and 10, 1994--To receive testimony relative to
provisions regarding the Government Printing Office contained
in Title XVI of H.R. 3400, Title XIV of the National
Performance Review, and the Organization of Congress Report of
the Senate members of the Joint Committee on the Organization
of Congress.
February 24, 1994--To receive testimony on S. 1824, the
``Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994''. (S. Hrg. 103-488)
March 3, 1994--To receive testimony and view demonstrations
on emerging and current state-of-the-art technology which may
have an impact on the future operations of the Senate.
March 10 and 17, 1994--To receive testimony on Title I
(Reform of the Senate) of S. 1824, the ``Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1994''. (S. Hrg. 103-488)
April 28 and May 5, 1994--To receive testimony on Title III
(Reform of the Congress) of S. 1824, the ``Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1994''. (S. Hrg. 103-488)
May 12, 1994--To receive testimony on the budget
authorization request of the Federal Election Commission for
Fiscal Year 1995.
June 9, 1994--To consider pending legislative and
administrative business, including S. 1824, the ``Legislative
Reorganization Act''; H.R. 877, the National African American
Museum; and an original bill authorizing appropriations for the
FEC for fiscal year 1995.
June 23, 1994--To receive testimony on the nominations of
Lee Ann Elliott and Danny Lee McDonald to be Members of the
Federal Election Commission for terms expiring April 30, 1999
(reappointments).
June 23, 1994--To receive testimony on the operations of
the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.
July 14, 1994--To receive testimony on the operations of
the Library of Congress, and on a proposal to provide for the
protection of books and materials borrowed from the Library of
Congress.
July 28, 1994--To receive testimony on S. Res. 230, to
designate and assign two permanent Senate offices to each
state.
Federal Elections Legislation
Campaign finance reform
In the 102nd Congress, campaign finance reform legislation
passed both Houses and a Conference Report was agreed to,
however the legislation was vetoed by President Bush. The
vetoed bill was introduced in the 103rd Congress as S. 3 and
H.R. 3. The Committee on Rules and Administration held a
hearing to receive testimony from Senators on March 3, 1993, to
consider that measure as well as other proposals which had been
referred to it, as follows:
S. 3, the ``Congressional Campaign Spending Limit and
Election Reform Act of 1993'', introduced by Senators
Boren, Mitchell, Ford, Byrd, Bryan, DeConcini,
Lautenberg, Reid, Moseley-Braun, Harkin, Pell, Levin,
Riegle, and Leahy;
S. 7, the ``Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Act
of 1993'', introduced by Senators Dole, McConnell,
Packwood, Lott, Gorton, Thurmond, Domenici, Lugar,
D'Amato, Simpson, Stevens, Nickles, and Chafee;
S. 62, the ``Senate Election Reform Act of 1993'',
introduced by Senator DeConcini;
S. 87, the ``Congressional Campaign Spending Limit
and Election Reform Act of 1993'', introduced by
Senators Kerry, Biden, and Bradley;
S. 94, the ``Grassroots Campaigning and Election
Reform Act of 1993'', introduced by Senator Domenici;
and
S. Amendment No. 65, to amend the Communications Act
of 1934 and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971
to better inform the electorate in Senate elections, by
Senator Pell.
Testimony was received from the following Senators: a panel
consisting of Senator George J. Mitchell, the Majority Leader,
and Senator David L. Boren; Senator Claiborne Pell; a panel
consisting of Senator Don Nickles and Senator Pete V. Domenici;
Senator Dennis DeConcini; a panel consisting of Senator John F.
Kerry, Senator Bill Bradley, and Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.;
and Senator Byron L. Dorgan.
On March 18, 1993, the Committee met to consider S. 3.
Senators Feinstein, Pell, and DeConcini discussed amendments
they planned to offer to S. 3 when it was debated on the floor.
The Committee, by a record vote of 8-5, voted to report S.
3 favorably without amendment. It was reported on April 28,
1993 (S. Rept. 103-41), with additional and minority views.
On May 19, 1993, the Committee held a hearing to receive
testimony on President Clinton's proposal pertaining to the
financing of Congressional election campaigns. Testimony was
received from Senator David L. Boren; Mr. David Keating,
Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers Union; Mr. Robert
S. Peck, Esq., Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties
Union; and Professor Larry J. Sabato, University of Virginia.
On May 21, 1993, debate began on the Senate floor on a
substitute amendment to S. 3 that incorporated the President's
proposals and a ban on PAC spending in Federal elections. S. 3,
amended, passed the Senate on June 17, 1993. On November 22,
1993 the House passed H.R. 3. A Senate-House conference was not
held, and the bill died with the closing of the 103rd Congress.
Voter registration
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Public Law
103-31) was signed into law on May 20, 1993. The first ``motor-
voter'' bill was introduced in the 101st Congress. A bill
similar to P.L. 103-31 passed both Houses in the 102nd Congress
but was vetoed by President Bush.
At a meeting of the Committee on Rules and Administration
on February 18, 1993, Chairman Wendell H. Ford proposed that
the Committee mark up the ``National Voter Registration Act of
1993'' in the form of an original bill which was identical to
the House-passed H.R. 2, except for the disposition of criminal
fines.
Senator Stevens spoke against the ``motor voter'' bill,
remarking he still opposed it because of the substantial costs
it would impose on States. He requested a reasonable amount of
time for the minority to prepare its views. A week was agreed
upon for the filing of minority views on the bill.
After a roll call vote of 7-5, the measure was ordered
reported. The report (S. Rept. 103-6) was filed on February 25,
1993, with additional and minority views.
On March 17, 1993 the Senate incorporated this measure into
H.R. 2 as an amendment in the nature of a substitute and passed
H.R. 2 in lieu of this measure. There was subsequently a House-
Senate conference agreed to by both Houses. The measure was
presented to the President on May 18, 1993, signed by the
President on May 20th and became Public Law 103-31.
Public Law 103-31 establishes national voter registration
procedures for elections for Federal office. It provides that
States shall establish procedures to permit voter registration:
(1) simultaneously with application for a driver's license; (2)
by uniform mail application; and (3) by application in person
at selected State and local offices that service the public
(agency registration).
Oversight of the Government Printing Office
The Rules Committee considered two measures concerning the
Government Printing Office during the 103rd Congress, both of
which were enacted into law. They were:
S. 564, introduced by Senator Ford and referred to the
Committee on March 11, 1993, to establish in the Government
Printing Office a means of enhancing electronic public access
to a wide range of Federal electronic information.
This bill, entitled the ``Government Printing Office
Electronic Information Access Enhancement Act of 1993'',
requires the Superintendent of Documents, under the direction
of the Public Printer, to establish a means for providing the
public with online access to electronic public information of
the Federal government. It sets forth guidelines for
determining fees for accessing such information, and permits
depository libraries to access information through such means
without charge.
The measure was reported by the Rules Committee (S. Rept.
103-27) on March 18, 1993. It passed both Houses, was presented
to the President on May 27, 1993, and signed into law on June
8, 1993 (Public Law 103-40).
S. 716, introduced by Senator Bond and referred to the
Committee on April 1, 1993, to require that all Federal
lithographic printing be performed using ink made from
vegetable oil and materials derived from other renewable
resources.
This bill, entitled the ``Vegetable Ink Printing Act of
1994'', prohibits any Federal agency from performing or
procuring lithographic printing using ink containing oil if the
ink contains less than a specified percentage of vegetable oil.
It provides for waiver of such prohibition in certain
circumstances for considerations of suitability or cost.
The Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on
June 24, 1993, to receive testimony on S. 716. Testimony was
received from Senator Christopher S. Bond; Senator Paul
Wellstone; a panel consisting of Mr. Michael F. DiMario, Acting
Public Printer, Government Printing Office, and Dr. Marvin
Bagby, Director of Ink Research, U.S. Department of
Agriculture; and a panel consisting of Mr. John Burns, Board
Member, American Soybean Association, Ms. Eleanor Lewis,
Director, Government Purchasing Project, Mr. Dale Ludwig,
Executive Director, Missouri Soybean Association, and Mr.
Charles Stuart McMichael who represented the Printing
Industries of America.
S. 716 was reported by the Committee (S. Rept. 103-178) on
November 10, 1993, with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute and an amendment to the title. It subsequently
passed both Houses, was presented to the President on September
29, 1994, and signed into law on October 6, 1994 (Public Law
103-348).
Oversight of the Library of Congress
Two measures concerning the Library of Congress were
reported by the Committee on Rules and Administration during
the 103rd Congress. They were:
S. 345, to authorize the Library of Congress to provide
certain information products and services, and for other
purposes. This bill, the ``Library of Congress Fund Act of
1993'', was introduced by Senator Pell on February 4, 1993, and
referred to the Committee. On May 26, 1993, it was reported
from the Committee with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute (S. Rept. 103-50).
This measure expresses the intent of the Congress that core
Library of Congress services shall continue to be provided at
no cost.
S. 685, to authorize appropriations for the American
Folklife Center for fiscal years 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.
The bill amends the American Folklife Preservation Act to
authorize appropriations for the American Folklife Center for
FY 1994 through 1997.
S. 685 was introduced by Senator Pell on March 31, 1993,
and referred to the Committee. On May 20, 1993, it was reported
to the Senate without amendment (S. Rept. 103-47). It passed
the Senate without amendment on May 28, 1993, but no further
action was taken.
The Committee also considered other measures pertaining to
the Library of Congress, as follows:
S. 1665, the ``Library of Congress Retention of Proceeds
Act'', introduced by Senator Pell and referred to the Committee
on November 17, 1993. This measure authorizes the Librarian to
accept payment or restitution for lost, stolen, damaged, or
destroyed books, periodicals, newspapers, or other materials
from the Library's collection.
S. 1900, the ``Library of Congress Book Protection Act of
1994'', introduced by Senator McCain and referred to the
Committee on March 8, 1994. Hearings were held on July 14,
1994. This measure would require the Librarian of Congress to
establish a Late Book Fine Fund to be available to the
librarian for general operating expenses of the Library and the
replacement of lost or stolen books. It establishes a schedule
of late fines for any borrower who has a book on loan for more
than 70 days.
S. 2419, the ``Library of Congress Financial Reform Act of
1994'', introduced by Senator Pell and referred to the
Committee on August 24, 1994. This measure establishes in the
Treasury the Library of Congress Revolving Fund consisting of
the proceeds of sales of excess property or copyright deposits
and restitution payments.
Oversight of the Smithsonian Institution
The Rules Committee reported five Senate Joint Resolutions
concerning the appointment of individuals to the Board of
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, all of which were
enacted into law, as follows:
S.J. Res. 27, sponsored by Senators Moynihan, Sasser and
Warner, providing for the appointment of Hanna Holborn Gray of
Illinois as a citizen regent. It was reported to the Senate
March 18, 1993 (S. Rept. 103-24), passed the Senate on March
22, 1993, and enacted into law April 12, 1993 (Public Law 103-
19).
S.J. Res. 28, sponsored by Senators Moynihan, Sasser and
Warner, providing for the appointment of Barber B. Conable,
Jr., of New York, as a citizen regent. It was reported to the
Senate March 18, 1993 (S. Rept. 103-25), passed the Senate on
March 22, 1993, and enacted into law April 12, 1993 (Public Law
103-20).
S.J. Res. 29, sponsored by Senators Moynihan, Sasser and
Warner, providing for the appointment of Wesley Samuel
Williams, Jr., of the District of Columbia, as a citizen
regent. It was reported to the Senate March 18, 1993 (S. Rept.
103-26), passed the Senate on March 22, 1993, and enacted into
law April 12, 1993 (Public Law 103-21).
S.J. Res. 143, sponsored by Senators Sasser, Warner and
Moynihan, providing for the appointment of Frank Anderson
Shrontz as a citizen regent. It was reported to the Senate
November 4, 1993 (S. Rept. 103-170), passed the Senate on
November 11, 1993, and enacted into law May 4, 1994 (Public Law
103-244).
S.J. Res. 144, sponsored by Senators Sasser, Warner and
Moynihan, providing for the appointment of Manuel Luis Ibanez
as a citizen regent. It was reported to the Senate November 4,
1993 (S. Rept. 103-171), passed the Senate on November 11,
1993, and enacted into law May 4, 1994 (Public Law 103-245).
The Committee considered other measures pertaining to the
Smithsonian Institution:
S. 277, sponsored by Senator Simon, to authorize the
establishment of the National African American Museum within
the Smithsonian Institution.
H.R. 877, the companion to S. 277, the ``National African
American Museum Act.'' On June 29, 1993 this bill passed the
House, and was received in the Senate and referred to the Rules
Committee. On June 16, 1994 it was reported to the Senate with
an amendment (S. Rept. 103-284). This bill establishes within
the Smithsonian Institution the National African American
Museum to be operated as a center for scholarship and a
location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and
collection and study of items relating to the life, art,
history, and culture of African Americans. It authorizes the
Smithsonian to renovate the Arts and Industries Building to
house the Museum and establishes a Board of Trustees of the
Museum.
S. 535, sponsored by Senator Warner, to authorize the Board
of Regents to plan and design an extension of the National Air
and Space Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The Committee reported the measure on March 22, 1993 (S. Rept.
103-28). It passed the Senate on June 9, 1993 and was sent to
the House, where no further action was taken.
S. 779, sponsored by Senator Sasser, to continue the
authorization of appropriations for the East Court of the
National Museum of Natural History. The Committee reported the
measure on May 24, 1993 (S. Rept. 103-48). It passed both
Houses and was signed into law on October 6, 1993 (Public Law
No. 103-98).
H.R. 2677, to authorize the board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct the West
Court of the National Museum of Natural History building. The
Committee reported the measure on November 8, 1993 (S. Rept.
103-173). It passed the Senate on November 16, 1993 and was
signed into law on November 24, 1993 (Public Law 103-151).
national memorials
Memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr.
S. 27, to authorize the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to
establish a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in the
district of Columbia, was introduced by Senator Sarbanes on
January 21, 1993, and referred to the Committee. Similar bills
were introduced in the 100th, 101st and 102nd Congresses and
reported favorably by the Committee on Rules and
Administration. In the 100th and 102nd Congresses, the bill
passed the Senate.
The measure is subject to the provisions of Public Law 99-
652, the commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001, et seq.)
approved November 14, 1986, which, in order to conserve the
limited space available in the District of Columbia and
environs, established conditions and criteria for future
memorials. Under the Act, work on the memorial, including site
selection and approval, could not begin until April 1993,
twenty-five years after the death of Dr. King. The twenty-fifth
anniversary having been reached, this measure is now fully
endorsed by the National Capital Memorial Commission and the
National Capital Planning Commission.
On May 20, 1993, the committee on Rules and Administration
held a markup session on S. 27. The National Capital Memorial
Commission provided the Committee with their views on this
measure by letter dated April 8, 1993 and signed by John G.
Parsons, Chairman. The National Capital Planning Commission
also reported to the Committee by letter of February 26, 1993,
signed by Reginald W. Griffith, Executive Director. After
discussion, S. 27 was passed and was ordered reported favorably
by the Committee (S. Rept. 103-46).
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994 Congressional Coverage Act
Under Standing rule 25, the committee has a continuing
responsibility to study and report to the Senate on the
organization and operation of that body. Also, Section 79.20 of
the Standing Orders of the Senate requires the Committee to
submit to the Senate during the second regular session of each
congress a report of the results of its review of the committee
system of the Senate and the Standing Rules and other rules of
the Senate. The committee's action detailed below with respect
to S. 1824, the ``Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994'', is
intended to fulfill those responsibilities of the Committee.
In 1992, the House and Senate established a bipartisan 28-
member Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress, which
began its work in January 1993 and officially expired on
December 31, 1993. The Joint Committee held hearings from
January to July 1, 1993 and heard witnesses suggest scores of
reform proposals in such areas as the committee system, the
budget process, scheduling, ethics, the application of laws to
Congress, legislative-executive relations, House and Senate
floor procedures, and staffing and the support agencies.
The Senate Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint
Committee, Senators Boren and Domenici, introduced at the start
of the second session of the 103d Congress, S. 1824, the
proposed Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994. S. 1824
embodied the recommendations of the Senate Members of the Joint
Committee. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on
Rules and Administration. Companion legislation, H.R. 3801,
which reflected the recommendations of the House members of the
Joint Committee, was introduced the same day by Representative
Lee Hamilton.
On February 24, 1994, the Rules Committee began a
comprehensive schedule of hearings on S. 1824. At the opening
session, Chairman Ford noted that he and the Ranking Member,
Senator Stevens, both served on the Joint Committee and were
thus familiar with the provisions of the bill.
The lead-off witnesses on February 24 were the two leaders
of the Joint Committee, Senators Boren and Domenici. Senator
Boren, after highlighting the Joint Committee's
recommendations, pointed out that the ``overriding theme
throughout the year-long deliberations of the Joint Committee
was that Senators are spread too thin'' because they have too
many committee assignments. To deal with this issue, Senator
Boren strongly endorsed the recommendation to limit Senators to
service on three full committees and five subcommittees.
Senator Domenici also reviewed many of the proposals
contained in the bill, and strongly endorsed the concept of
biennial budgeting, including biennial budget resolutions,
biennial authorizations, and biennial appropriations.
During subsequent hearings held on March 10 and 17, April
28, and May 5, 1994, the Committee received testimony from
other Senators, congressional experts, the leaders of several
legislative support agencies, and OMB Director Leon Panetta.
They testified on issues ranging from Senate committees and
floor procedures to biennial budgeting to oversight of the
legislative support agencies.
The Committee also received testimony on those portions of
S. 1824 dealing with joint committees and the legislative
support agencies, including the Library of Congress. Several
Senators presented testimony on the importance of retaining the
joint committees. The heads of the legislative support agencies
stated their views on provisions that directly affected their
organizations, such as the periodic reauthorization of the
support agencies, preparation by the support agencies of annual
cost accounting reports, and the feasibility of establishing a
voucher allocation system for committees and Members using
agency facilities and services.
The Rules Committee printed its hearings as S. Hrg. 103-
488.
On June 9, 1994, the Committee conducted a markup of S.
1824. The Committee agreed to Chairman Ford's request to split
the bill into three parts and to report three measures to the
Senate. S. 1824, as amended, would constitute one part of the
reorganization package to be reported to the Senate. It dealt
with issues, such as the budget process, that require bicameral
consideration. The other two measures are resolutions that
amend standing rules of the Senate dealing, respectively, with
the committee system and floor procedures.
The Committee used as its markup vehicle the Chairman's
``mark,'' which was an amendment in the nature of a substitute
that contained provisions on biennial budgeting and other
budget process changes, oversight of certain Congressional
support agencies, and Congressional coverage under certain
employee and workplace protection laws. The latter was not
included in the bill, as introduced, but was part of the
Chairman's amendment. An Office of Employee Rights and
Protections would be established in the Senate to insure that
Senate employees are entitled to the coverage provided by
certain Federal workplace protection laws.
Although the Chairman's mark added a new Title III
(``Congressional Coverage Act''), it also deleted several
provisions that had been in the original bill. These included
provisions that eliminated all joint committees, required the
periodic authorization of the legislative support agencies and
other requirements affecting the support agencies (for example,
the voucher allocation system), and imposed a ``sunset''
requirement for executive agency reports to Congress. The
statements of various witnesses and Senators highlighted
difficulties with discrete provisions of the bill.
During the June 9 markup, two amendments to the Chairman's
substitute amendment were agreed to. One deleted the provision
to establish biennial appropriations from the two-year
budgeting process, thereby maintaining the current system of
annual appropriations. The second amendment required that the
General Accounting Office, in consultation with the
Congressional Budget Office, prepare and submit to the Senate
not later than January 1, 1995 a study of the impact of
implementing Title III of the Chairman's mark (the
Congressional Coverage Act), with a proviso that the bill would
not take effect until 90 days after the study is submitted to
the Senate. The Committee then voted unanimously to report out
S. 1824, as amended (S. Rept. 103-297).
The Committee continued the markup meeting to June 16, 1994
for consideration of the two resolutions. At this markup, the
Committee reported out two original resolutions: one (S. Res.
227) dealing with the committee system (``Senate Procedures
Reform Resolution of 1994'') and the other (S. Res. 228) with
floor procedures (``Senate Floor Procedures Reform Resolution
of 1994'').
S. Res. 227, as amended, contains several provisions
recommended in the reorganization bill. Significantly, the
resolution would impose the same committee assignment
limitations as the bill--Senators may generally serve on only
two ``A'' committees (and two subcommittees of each ``A''
panel) and one ``B'' committee (and one subcommittee of a ``B''
panel). Thus the usual number of committee assignments for each
Member would be reduced from the present level of 11 (three
committees and 8 subcommittees) to 8 (three committees and 5
subcommittees).
During the Committee's consideration of the floor
procedures resolution (S. Res. 228), which contained all the
floor procedural recommendations proposed by the Joint
Committee on the Organization of Congress, three amendments
were adopted. The first amendment removed a provision to count
time consumed by quorum calls during cloture against the
Senator who suggested the absence of a quorum. The second
change to S. Res. 228 concerned ``sense of the Senate
amendments.'' It deleted the exception from the 10-
cosponsorship requirements for such amendments offered by the
Majority or Minority Leaders. The third amendment would add a
60-vote requirement to overturn the Chair's rulings on
questions of germaneness regarding amendments to general
appropriations bills. Currently, a majority vote is
determinative when such an issue is raised on the Senate floor.
Administration of the Senate
senate chamber broadcasting
The Sergeant at Arms' Senate Recording Studio, under the
auspices of the Rules Committee, made several upgrades related
to the broadcast and recording of Senate Chamber proceedings.
The Chamber sound system, which was approximately twenty years
old, was improved with the installation of a software based
digital audio system. This upgrade included new microphones and
reeler system for automatic retraction of the microphone cable
at the completion of use.
Camera controllers in the Senate control room were replaced
with software based controllers. The new controllers are more
efficient, allow for less maintenance and adjustments, and
permit one operator to control all eight cameras if necessary.
An automated video tape recording system for recording the
Senate proceedings was installed. A master recording of Senate
proceedings is made for the Library of Congress and the
National Archives. Previously a manual process, the new system
provides for unattended recordings, and includes the creation
of a database for times and speakers for retrieval purposes
when copies of floor statements are requested.
senate photographic studio
In the Senate Photographic Studio, an image database was
created using Compact Disk (CD) technology. Image negatives can
be stored and cataloged for timely search and retrieval by
using key identifying names, words, or dates. From this
identifying information, prints can then be readily processed
directly from the CD or from the original negative. This new
technology substantially improved the image storage, search,
and retrieval process and protects the Senate's inventory of
photography.
computer technology and office automation
During the 103rd Congress significant progress was made,
working with Sergeant at Arms' Computer Center, in the areas of
computer technology and computer support to Senate offices.
Electronic mail capabilities were established between Senate
and House offices, CD-ROM technology became a part of Senate
supported products and made available to Senate offices, and
Senate offices were provided access to the Information Highway
(INTERNET).
The Senate continued to pursue its migration to the use of
microcomputers and Local Area Network (LAN) technology. During
the 103rd Congress, approximately 100 new LAN's were installed
totalling 1,800 workstations. This brought the Senate's
installed base of LAN's to over 250 networks (100 in State
offices) totalling more than 7,800 workstations. With this
installed base, the Computer Center implemented a more modern
help desk problem tracking system to provide Senate offices
with improved technical support.
To expand technical capabilities and reduced costs, the
Senate continued to move from mini computer technology to Local
Area Networks (LAN's). At the beginning of the 103rd Congress,
there were 39 offices with 65 mini computers. At the end of the
Congress, there were only 8 offices mini computers.
The Senate Computer Center, working with the Rule Committee
continued to review, evaluate, test, and certify a wide variety
of computer hardware, software, in-office mail systems, and
next generation network operating systems. By adhering to this
process and established standards for the acquisition of
computer technology, Senate offices are provided with a broad
base of computer technology at a lower overall cost to the
Senate.
The computer center also initiated a process to upgrade
computer printers available to Senate offices. This upgrade
process began in late November of 1994. Old printers were
replaced with printers which were faster, and cost
approximately one-half as much to operate. This will result in
substantial savings to the Senate.
telephone system, data communications, and other telecommunications
equipment and services
During the 103rd Congress, working with the Senate
Telecommunications Department, the Committee on Rules and
Administration approved a number of upgrades to Senate
telecommunication equipment which helped improve efficiency,
reduced costs, and provided greater reliability. These upgrades
included: thermal facsimile machines, to plain paper machines;
Senate Voice Messaging Services (SVMS) hardware; the FaxXchange
system; the Uniform Call Distribution (UCD) system; and the
United States Capitol Police two-way radio system.
The Senate also negotiated a cost reduction of $.02 per
minute for State office long distance services. This was a
result of the recompetition of the Legislative Branch Common
Services Procurement for Wide Area Telecommunications Services.
A contract was also awarded for an upgrade of the Senate's wide
area network to frame rely, which, among other things, would
provide State office access to Senate correspondence management
systems and other shared services.
The Senate telephone switch processed more than 190 million
calls to Senate offices during the 103rd Congress, or an
average of approximately 260,000 calls each day of the year.
on demand printing
In November 1994, an ``On Demand Printing'' pilot had begun
in the Senate Document Room. Title 44 of the United States
Code, requires the Senate to print a specified number of bills
and resolutions, usually several hundred copies. The purpose
was to ensure full public access to legislative proposals. This
regularly produces large numbers of documents that are never
used.
The Government Printing Office (GPO) installed a high speed
laser duplicator in the Senate Document Room. This machine is
linked by a fiber optic communications line to the central GPO
Building. When additional copies of a bill, resolution, or
other official document are requested, it can be sent
electronically from the GPO Building to the duplicator in the
document room, where the document and exact number of copies
will be produced. This process would eliminate the need to
stock large quantities of documents which are never used.
The pilot is to last one year, with GPO providing status
reports every three months. When complete, the pilot will
demonstrate that documents can be quickly distributed, when and
where they are needed, at a lower overall cost to the taxpayer
and the environment.
franked mail
The 103rd Congress, marked the beginning of full accounting
for Senate franked mail. Under the direction of the Rules
Committee, the Sergeant at Arms began processing all franked
mail leaving the local Senate campus, through the Senate
Service Department. State offices provide their DC Senate
offices with mail counts to be included with the overall costs
to be deducted from frank mail allocations.
This process required the bar coding of individual franked
envelopes with an identifying code for each Senate office
authorized to use the frank. All franked mail leaving the
Senate must be processed through Senate Service Department mail
sorting equipment, where the code are read and total mail
counts and cost are assigned to respective offices. With
reductions in official mail appropriations, these accounting
procedures help offices to more closely manage their franked
mail allocations.
The new accounting procedures, as well as, substantial
changes in statute made by 103rd Congress official mail
appropriation bills, required the Rules Committee to update the
Regulations Governing Frank Mail. This resulted in the
publications of the Regulations Governing Franked Mail on
October 1, 1993, and October 1, 1994.
committee computer resources
Since 1989, this Committee has required Senate Committees
to submit an office automation plan along with their biennial
budget submission. Providing a two year project of office
automation needs along with cost estimates, has proven to be a
valuable tool in dedicating resources to meet the computer
needs of Senate Committees.
The office automation funding estimates requested by
committees for fiscal years 1993 and 1994 exceeded $4 million,
however actual expenditures for the two year period were held
to $2.2 million, or approximately one-half of the requested
amount.
Technology achievements for Committee Offices over the last
funding period has been the conversion from mini based system
to local area networks, increased graphics and presentation
capabilities, upgrade from coxal to twisted pair and connection
of the majority of committees to the Senate Fiber backbone.
These achievements along with the Senate's adoption of standard
network operating system platform, should provide the Senate
Committees a stable environment for the next funding period.
internet services
During the 103rd Congress, the Rules Committee authorized
the Senate Sergeant at Arms to offer INTERNET services to
Member and Committee offices. In June 1993 the first of these
services was brought on line, the ability to send and receive
e-mail over INTERNET. In November of 1993 the Committee
approved the establishment of a Senate FTP/Gopher site for
Member and Committee use. These capabilities provide Senate
offices the ability to post information and communicate over
INTERNET. Senate offices are posting press releases, committee
hearings, and witness statements.
Committee Publications
Authority and Rules of Senate Committees, 103d Congress,
1st session, S. Doc. 103-3, 1994.
Congressional Handbook, 1994, 103d Congress, 2d session, S.
Prt. 103-22, 1994.
Expenditures Authorizations and Requirements for Senate
Committees, S. Print 103-89, 103d Congress, 2d session,
November 1994.
Legislative Calendar of the Committee on Rules and
Administration, Final Calendar, 102d Congress, S. Print 102-
134, published in 1993.
Legislative Review During the 102d Congress by the Senate
Committee on Rules and Administration, 103d Congress, 1st
session, S. Rept. 103-31, 1993.
Rules and Manual--1993, 103d Congress, 2d session, S. Doc.
103-1, published 1994.
Senate Election Law Guidebook--1994, 103d Congress, 2d
session, S. Doc. 103-13, 1994.
United States Senate (information brochure and seating
chart), 103d Congress, 1st session, S. Pub. 103-4, 1993.
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994, 103d Congress, 2d
session, S. Hrg. 103-488, 1994.